While the news that summer signing Niclas Fullkrug will be absent for this weekend's Premier League fixture against Ipswich is a setback, it also presents an opportunity for Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers' head coach is likely compelled to select Mohammed Kudus in his starting line-up to avoid further controversy. However, it's difficult to justify placing the Ghanaian on the left side of the West Ham attack, where he has struggled so far this season.

It's clear that Michail Antonio cannot last longer than an hour in the high-paced Premier League, and thus he should probably serve as an impact substitute. This situation opens up the possibility of playing either Jarrod Bowen or Kudus in the striking role, with the other positioned on the right side of midfield.

Lopetegui has shown little inclination to deploy Kudus in an attacking midfield role, despite Lucas Paqueta's inconsistent form this season.

Recent speculation about a rift between the Spanish head coach and his star winger can only be put to rest if Kudus is selected this weekend.

While I would never call an injury to a key player a silver lining, Fullkrug's injury has provided Lopetegui with the chance to address two issues at once.